Summer is a time to relax, unwind, and enjoy freedom from the responsibilities of high school. Without the need to dedicate time to these responsibilities, however, there can be an increasing feeling of boredom in the lives of teens. Many find themselves spending all day scrolling through social media, playing video games, or other mindless activities that involve screens. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP) website (aap.org), teens spend an average of seven hours a day on screens during the summer, while the recommended screen time for recreational purposes is just two hours. So, here are nine productive, entertaining summer activities that will motivate teens to get off their screens and enjoy every moment of the next two months! 

• Try ice cream from a bag 

What is better than this sweet treat on a hot day? Everybody loves ice cream, but sometimes the ice cream parlor is just too far away or too expensive. Ice cream in a bag is the easiest and most fun way to enjoy it homemade, and it only requires four ingredients with a small and a large zip-up bag. In the small bag, combine one cup of half-and-half, two tablespoons of sugar, and one half a teaspoon of vanilla. In the larger bag, add three cups of ice and 1/3 a cup of kosher salt. Then, place the small bag inside of the large bag and shake forcefully for 7-10 minutes until the ice cream has hardened. Be sure to enjoy this treat with toppings! 

• Cook with Mrs. Reganato! 

Beginners will love this perfect opportunity to learn cooking basics with cooking teacher Lauren Reganato’s summer favorites playlist on YouTube. The playlist includes videos ranging from 2-5 minutes long, giving visual instructions on easy summer recipes. Some delicious options include shrimp and corn chowder, peach coffee cake, tortellini salad, and Reganato’s favorite, Elote Mexican street corn. “The Elote Mexican street corn has the most amazing taste and smell, especially when the farms finally get in the sweet summer corn,” Reganato says. “This recipe is quick and easy and can be made by anyone who wants to give it a try!”  

• Read a romance novel 

Romance novels are growing in popularity, especially on the internet. Authors like Colleen Hoover, Emily Henry, and Tia Williams are praised for their encapsulating love stories that are both page turners and tear jerkers. Grab a novel, some sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel and soak up the sun while getting lost in a story. Some fan favorite novels by Colleen Hoover are It Ends with Us, November 9th, and Verity. Sophomore Ana Juarez is a huge Hoover fan: “It Ends with Us is one of my favorite romance novels! The story is so inspiring, and the new sequel [It Starts with Us] is just as good as the original!” she says. “Figuring out the true meaning behind the title was one of my favorite parts of reading the book,” she adds. Emily Henry’s People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read are heartwarming and perfect for the summer, and Seven Days in June by Tia Williams is an unforgettable story that is one of Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club picks and a Goodreads choice. Take a trip to Barnes and Noble or invest in an e-reader and do not miss out on falling in love with a book while listening to the ocean waves! 

• Catch a baseball game  

Whether a Mets or Yankees (or hot dog) fan, be sure to catch at least one game during the peak of baseball season. Citi Field, home of the Mets, is just a 30-minute drive or hour train ride away and is an unforgettable experience no matter the location of the seats. Look out for Mr. and Mrs. Met, and enjoy a hot dog and soft-serve ice cream while going wild cheering for the star player! Yankee Stadium is not too far, either, and is located in the Bronx with just a 54-minute drive. Another local option is a Brooklyn Cyclones game; the minor league team plays at Maimonides Park, just off the Coney Island Boardwalk. Do not miss the opportunity to ride the 95-year-old famous Cyclone roller coaster that the team is named after! 

• Go hiking  

Being in nature is one of the most effective ways to remain present, and there is no better way to appreciate the beauty in the summer air than by going on a hike or nature walk. There are hikes available for all fitness levels, designed for running, walking, biking or even bringing a pet along! Some local trails include the Nassau-Suffolk Greenbelt Trail in Massapequa, the Trail View State Park in Woodbury, and the Norman J. Levy Park and reserve in Merrick. Physical education teacher Doreen Combs loves hiking with her family. One of her favorite trails is the Lemon Squeeze Trail in New Paltz: “My son and I love this challenging but extremely fun trail! Climbing the rocks to reach the most beautiful view is so rewarding,” she says. The trail is 5.5 miles long and is recommended for advanced hikers. 

• Learn to surf  

With Skudin Surf or other surfing camps, be transported to the crystal-clear beaches of Hawaii by signing up for surfing lessons! Lessons are available for both children and adults, with both half day and full day sessions that are easily accessible at Long Beach. Surfing is an exhilarating new hobby that, with just a few lessons, one could be riding the waves effortlessly by the end of the summer! 

• Exercise on the Long Beach Boardwalk 

Along with surfing lessons found on the beach, many are familiar with the Long Beach boardwalk, which is available to everybody who wishes to access it. With areas for walking, running, and biking, the boardwalk is a great way to get in some early morning exercise with a view of the beautiful ocean and sunrise. “Bike riding is one of my favorite ways to get exercise during the summer,” health and physical education teacher Brian Donaldson comments. “It is an enjoyable way to add some cardio into your morning routine,” he adds. Stop by the boardwalk in the afternoon for a cup of delicious Marvel ice cream or a meal at Riptides.  

• Attend a concert  

Summer is the hottest season for concerts, and some of the most beloved artists are coming to Long Island to perform. At the Jones Beach theater just 25 minutes away, Luke Bryan is performing on July 6, and Pitbull plays on August 5. On August 3, catch P!nk at Citi Field, and Louis Tomlinson in Forest Hills on July 29. Invite friends and family and be prepared to dance the night away!  

• Explore white water rafting  

Although the rapids are not as exhilarating as those in Colorado, local white-water rafting is an activity loved by all ages. Bring a party of both adults and children, as rafts can hold up to ten people. Sacandaga River has been offering family friendly rafting trips for over 30 years, and Pocono Whitewater Rafting is a fun option, too. Safety is always the top priority for trips, and life vests and safety demonstrations are provided. Bring food and drinks but be prepared to get wet!